Forgive them, for they know what they do: violence and women in contemporary American literature

In August 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed from Palos, Spain, embarking on a westward voyage and intending to establish a new trade route from Spain to the Far East. With three ships and a crew of approximately 100 men, he journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean. Instead of finding a new route to the Indies, Columbus discovered the Bahama Islands. Today, more than five centuries later, Americans continue to celebrate Columbus’ bold expedition and recognise his pioneering achievements as an enduring symbol of imagination, courage and perseverance.

Columbus brought European settlers to North America and helped establish a new era of world exploration during his four journeys to the “New World”. In the years following his voyage of discovery, others such as John Cabot, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan followed Columbus’ example to explore and discover new lands, peoples, and cultures.

Today, Columbus’ spirit of innovation and discovery flourishes in America as we seek to advance knowledge and ensure prosperity and hope for all people. We challenge our young men and women particularly to reach for all their dreams as the great explorers of the past did.

George W. Bush, Presidential Proclamation, 9 October 2002.1

I ought to be judged as a captain who for such a long time up to this day has borne arms without laying them aside for an hour.

Letter from Christopher Columbus to Juan de la Torre, 1500. [...]